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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social

@barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
BREAKING NEWS: Maryland will keep Michael Locksley as its football coach in 2026, Athletic Director Jim Smith said. Smith is committing more NIL funding to the Terrapins program for next year. Says he believes in the foundation. The Terps have lost six in a row and are 4-6.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
One of Dan Quinn's favorite sayings is "Hard s--- with good people." Here's hoping his people are good. Because this is some hard s--- ahead. On the Commanders' coach in new territory. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Dan Quinn talks about the hard stuff. Now he’s getting to live it.
The coach concedes his Commanders are “off course.” It’s his job to right them.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
This Ryder Cup is a blowout. But you must have a favorite player here? A most hated? Is one a European? The other an American? An assessment of the two sides -- based on likeability. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Europe’s Ryder Cup team is better. Is it also more likable?
Personalities are on display at the partisan golf competition, for better and for worse.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Some weekend reading from me, @andrewcgolden and @chelsea_janes: At a critical juncture in the Nationals' existence, the decision-making process can seem "chaotic," the franchise "directionless." A look at the Lerners, who's in the room, and the vibe. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Who is running the Washington Nationals?
At a critical juncture in its history, the MLB franchise appears to some as “directionless,” with too many hands on the wheel.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Welcome to NFL season! When have the Washington Commanders entered a campaign with this much anticipation amongst their fans? Have Q's about that season? Hopefully, @AdamKilgoreWP and I have some A's. Thursday, 11 a.m. Submit questions at the link. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
What’s in store for the Commanders’ encore? Ask our reporters.
The Washington Commanders begin their season Sunday. Post Sports writers Barry Svrluga and Adam Kilgore answer your questions during a chat on Thursday at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Driven by RFK Stadium lately? Do it. Quickly. It’s coming down. On an inevitable outcome, the nostalgia that goes with it — and a baseball buried beneath. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Decrepit RFK Stadium had to come down. It still kind of stings.
As the former football, baseball and soccer venue gets torn apart, let’s remember all the times it shook.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Sooooooo … who’s staying up to watch the Nats at 10:15 p.m. Friday? Not I! On a franchise in flux, and seven weeks when — please — can’t we just see some clean, competitive baseball? www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Overmatched, indifferent and ugly: Is this what Nats fans signed on for?
We knew the Nationals were going to be bad when they embarked on this rebuild. It’s one thing to be bad by design. It’s something else to be borderline unwatchable.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Trade Terry McLaurin? Don't worry. That ain't happening. On the star wideout's threat, and the ways an impasse can end. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | The Commanders aren’t trading Terry McLaurin, but they need to make a deal
With Washington and its star wide receiver at a contract impasse, every day matters, and time is on neither party’s side.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
MacKenzie Gore is the Nationals' best pitcher. He doesn't become a free agent for two-and-a-half more seasons. He should be part of the future. Trade him? It could shake up the league -- and help the Nats move forward. On an ace and the deadline ... www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Trade MacKenzie Gore? The Nationals at least have to think about it.
Parting with a promising young pitcher is a complicated decision, but Washington has several reasons to consider the right offer if it presents itself.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
Scottie Scheffler began the week by seemingly outlining an existential crisis. He wasn't. He was lowkey explaining his brilliance. On the British Open champ's fifth major -- and the mentality that could easily lead to five more. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | After baring his soul, Scottie Scheffler laid waste to the British Open
The world’s top-ranked golfer isn’t in crisis. He’s explaining his brilliance.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
I spent the last week or so asking execs and agents about potential candidates to run the Washington Nationals' baseball operation. Here are some names that came up most frequently. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Analysis | The Nats need a president of baseball operations. Here are some options.
This search promises to be very different from the last one, which Stan Kasten ran in 2009.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
The Home Run Derby was a blast. The All-Star Game should be fun. Unfortunately, labor strife looms over it all. On MLB front offices preparing for a work stoppage that's a year-and-a-half out. Ugh. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | MLB’s 2027 work stoppage? Baseball folks already are talking about it.
If you think the sport’s next labor standoff is a ways away, you’re not listening to the executives who say it’s affecting today’s decisions.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Chatter with scouts, agents, execs ahead of the Nats with the No. 1 pick in tonight's MLB draft: * Nats are being verrrry quiet about their intentions. * LSU LHP Kade Anderson and Oklahoma prep SS Eli Willits come up most. * Ethan Holliday hasn't been mentioned to me as likely.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Fifteen years ago, the Nationals’ team president left, and the GM said: “We have a void to fill.” They never filled it. It’s time. On a new direction for a directionless franchise. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | The Nationals need more than a new GM. They need a voice.
What else do the Nationals need besides a general manager and a skipper as they remake their front office? How about a forward-facing president?
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
What: A live Q&A on the future of the Nationals. Who: Me, @chelsea_janes and @spencernusbaum_ . When: Noon on Tuesday, but get those questions in early at the link below. Looking forward to it! www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
The Nationals fired their manager and GM. What’s next? Ask us your questions.
Barry Svrluga, Chelsea Janes and Spencer Nusbaum will answer your questions about the firings of Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez Tuesday at noon.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Last season, 324 players had at least 250 plate appearances. Javy Baez's .516 OPS ranked 323rd. Wednesday night, he was named the starting center fielder on the AL all-star team. On lost causes that aren't always lost. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | How a baseball lost cause suddenly became a leading man again
Javier Báez’s redemption arc is a reminder of the power of patience, and the danger of giving up too early.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
A 33-48 first half brings scrutiny to all levels of an organization. Like this: Since 2012, the Nats have drafted and signed 45 players who made the majors. Six have a bWAR of 4.0 or greater; 23 have a bWAR that is below 0.0. On the team’s temperature. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | A lousy first half should put everyone with the Nationals on notice
A disappointing first 81 games brings scrutiny to everyone involved with the Nationals, from ownership to player development to coaches.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
In his first 37 games, CJ Abrams slashed .311/.372/.561 and led all shortstops in OPS. In his last 10, he's 5 for 39 (.128) and hasn't driven in a run. On a potential star, and making sure the inevitable slumps are somehow contained. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Slumps are part of baseball. The trick for CJ Abrams is weathering them.
CJ Abrams was every bit an all-star when the Midsummer Classic rolled around last season. But the second half of the season was a prolonged slump.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
The problem isn't that Alex Ovechkin and the Russian men's hockey team won't be at next year's Olympics (though that would be awesome). The problem is the IOC's inconsistency with applying its penalties. On Ovi, Russia, and an awesome hockey tournament. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olymp...
washingtonpost.com
Column | The IOC’s policy on Russia takes a complex issue and muddles it further
Alex Ovechkin won’t be in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Some individual Russian athletes will. This is how the IOC defines “politically neutral.”
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Padraig Harrington had a two-shot lead and a cocky strut. Then, his brain let him down. On the Senior PGA, and the kind of brain lapse that affects us all. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Padraig Harrington, a mental blip and the maddening game of golf
Without total focus, golf will make you pay. After Sunday at the Senior PGA Championship, just ask Harrington.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
“Uh-oh. Good lord. Are you kidding me?”
“Oh, no he didn’t.”
“Yes, he did.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“Yes, he did.”
“No way. How many other guys in baseball are doing that?” On James Wood, the announcers discovering his abilities, and the gift he already has. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | The extraordinary ability that may make James Wood a superstar
Nationals outfielder James Wood has a gift, and it’s already turned him a terrifying major league hitter.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
The proposal to ban the Eagles' tush push failed? Good. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Stop whining about the tush push and figure out how to stop it
The Philadelphia Eagles’ highly efficient and effective short-yardage play is here to stay? Good.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
“It’s awful. I told ‘em that. It’s awful.” On the end of a season that felt too soon — and a transition that’s now in full swing. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | In a blink, deafening goes to silent — and the Capitals’ season ends
A season that began with low expectations turned into a campaign that produced the most points in the Eastern Conference. And it felt like it ended too soon.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Drove by the Rialto Theater in the heart of Raleigh’s classic old Five Points neighborhood. Marquee currently reads: “All are welcome except Tom Wilson.”
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Alex Ovechkin, through three games in this series: zero goals, zero assists. Number of times he went three straight games with no points in the regular season: one. Is it all on the captain? No. Do they need production from him? Absolutely. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | If the Capitals are to beat Carolina, they need something from Alex Ovechkin
The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer has no points through three games. If the Capitals want to survive this series, that needs to change in a hurry.
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Post Sports @postsports.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Friday's sports front: Confidence men Here's @baileyannej.bsky.social on a Game 2 win: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/... And @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social on two-goal leads, and trying: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Connor McMichael put the Caps up one. But how hard — and how important — is it to get that second goal? On a must-win May game, and the tension within. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | How to take a one-goal lead and make it two? It’s not easy.
The cliché says a two-goal lead is the hardest lead to protect in hockey. But getting a two-goal is no easy task either. Just ask the Capitals.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
In Game 1, the Canes played like the Canes. Going into Game 2, it’s up to the Caps to play like the Caps — or else. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Carolina’s identity defined Game 1. The Caps must find theirs in Game 2.
The Hurricanes can be a force of nature. It’s up to the Caps to survive. Thursday’s Game 2 will be pivotal.
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Reposted by @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social
Andy McCullough @bymccullough.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
THE LAST OF HIS KIND is out in paperback today. It includes a new epilogue about the 2024 Dodgers season. I am biased, but I think it's a good book. www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/andy-... And we’re still doing bookplates! Send an email to ByMcCullough at gmail dot com.
hachettebookgroup.com
The Last of His Kind
The definitive biography of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, examining the genesis of his brilliance, his epic quest to win the World Series, and his singular pl...
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
“Sometimes as pro coaches we get in this idea like: ‘This player is what he is. He is who he is. There’s nothing that can be done.’” Not so. On developing individuals for the good of the team — and driving deeper in the playoffs. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Spencer Carbery and the art of trying to get a little bit better
Spencer Carbery has his Washington Capitals in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. His favorite part of coaching? Glad you asked.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
They hadn’t won a playoff series since they won the Cup. They hadn’t clinched at home in a decade. On the Capitals over the Canadiens, the weight lifted — and what’s next. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Breathe: After seven long years, the Capitals have won a playoff series
Washington’s clinical closeout win sent the Capitals to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since that dreamy spring of 2018.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Monday felt momentous. But any celebration was premature. On a deal for a Commanders stadium that isn’t done — and needs work. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | After that Commanders pep rally, it’s time for D.C. to get a better deal
It’s early to celebrate the Commanders’ return to the RFK Stadium site, because the work is still getting started.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
“It’s so thin, you want to be on the right side of that.” On the Caps’ tenuous 2-0 lead, and playoff hockey that eats away at the stomach lining. Welcome to spring. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | These Capitals skate a fine line between being up 2-0 and down 0-2
Stanley Cup playoff series are won on the margins -— and every hit, every shift, every shot can make a difference.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
What hasn’t Alex Ovechkin done? The list is short. After Monday night — with an overtime winner in the playoffs — it’s shorter still. On the captain’s season and the captain’s franchise, still going after all these years. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | It’s Alex Ovechkin’s season and Alex Ovechkin’s franchise — still
In scoring the first playoff OT goal of his career in a 3-2 win over the Canadiens, Alex Ovechkin saved the Capitals from another ugly start to a playoff run.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Yep.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
“I’ve carried that burden since August 2014.” On what might have been an easy path to greatness for Rory McIlroy, but instead was incredibly difficult. What a day. What a career. What a relief. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Rory McIlroy’s career hasn’t been easy. Why would his Masters win be?
After a career full of pain, Rory McIlroy found something new Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club: Relief.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
There is a real chance that I will not physically be able to write about this tournament.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Had Justin Rose made a four-foot putt for birdie at the par-3 16th on Saturday -- rather than three-putting for bogey -- his upcoming birdie putt at 16 would be to tie for the lead. Instead, it's to climb within two of Rory McIlroy.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Walked the course at Augusta National this morning. Saw them cutting the hole at the par-3 16th. Get ready for something different: A back right pin placement, rather than what has become the traditional low left, where shots feed.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
“I came in here talking about being the most complete version of myself as a golfer, and I just have to keep reminding myself of that." When Rory McIlroy is his most complete, there's no one better. Can he be that with the lead on Sunday at the Masters? www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Rory McIlroy has a chance to rewrite his narrative. Here’s the pen.
The Northern Irishman has a two-shot lead at the Masters over Bryson DeChambeau entering the final round. Can he chase down his own ghosts?
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
“I’m a competitor, and I love this game. It doesn't really love me back right now.” On Nick Dunlap, opening the Masters with a 90 — and willing your way to respectability. It’s about one round of golf. It’s also about humans’ ability to respond. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Nick Dunlap’s Masters Thursday was disastrous. What matters is his response.
Dunlap, a 21-year-old Alabaman, shot a first-round 90. a score to which every weekend duffer can relate. On Friday, he offered a lesson in resilience.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
With the Capitals off today and Ovechkin's chase of Gretzky over, check out the Post store for your commemorative options. They include not only reprints of key pages, but an upcoming book, "Unbreakable." Pretty cool stuff. printshop.twpprintsolutions.com/twpstore/sta...
printshop.twpprintsolutions.com
TWP - Special Products
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
When was the last time you spent eight hours — or more — without your phone? Come to Augusta National, where I tried it yesterday. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | At the Masters, a day without phones is a journey back in time
Azaleas and birdies replace texts and selfies at Augusta National, and there’s something to learn from the experience.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Bleachers? Uh, no. Observation stands. Rough? Please. Second cut. Pine needles? Nope. Pine straw. The Masters and Augusta National have their own language, and it dictates what you hear on TV. On the banned phrases from an exclusive club. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | At the Masters, policing language is a tradition unlike any other
At Augusta National, there’s no rough; there’s a second cut. And there are no fans, only patrons. And there are no words for the pretension.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Had a really fun time working on this project on Alex Ovechkin: Eight characters from No. 8's career. A scout. A vet teammate. Support staff. A coach. An exec. A peer. A rival. A sidekick. All important characters. All with different roles. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Eight for No. 8: The characters from Alex Ovechkin’s career
From his sidekick to coach to rival, each had a distinct perspective on NHL history.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Is the day after 895 a day to consider Alex Ovechkin’s … retirement? Maybe. Maybe not. But at some point, it’s coming. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Could Alex Ovechkin’s season for the ages also be his NHL farewell?
Having passed Wayne Gretzky for NHL goal-scoring supremacy, the Washington Capitals captain has nothing more to prove. So …
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
A tradition unlike any other.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Ovechkin over all.
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
On Aug. 7, 2007, I was the Nationals beat writer when Barry Bonds connected off Washington lefty Mike Bacsik for homer 756, passing Hank Aaron. Today, I was on Long Island to watch Alex Ovechkin pass Wayne Gretzky with No. 895z Anyone else in this club?
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barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
“This is something crazy.” On No. 895, and the man who changed a sport in a town — forever. www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Column | Alex Ovechkin is hockey’s greatest scorer. He’s also Washington’s — forever.
That Ovechkin has played his entire NHL career in a Capitals sweater is an amazing accomplishment unto itself. Passing Wayne Gretzky is just the latest high point.
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